Scenic Road Trip from Tehran to Murmansk via Azerbaijan: Explore the Caucasus and Russia

Day 1: Tehran to Tabriz

Tehran to Tabriz, Iran on May 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sam Cafe, Tehran

Start with a classic Persian breakfast including fresh bread, feta, and tea at this beloved Tehran café.
IRR100000, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive from Tehran to Tabriz

Embark on the approximately 8-hour, 630 km drive northwest to Tabriz by road.
Fuel costs approx. IRR2000000, 8h0m

4:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Rest and refresh at your accommodation in Tabriz after the long drive.
IRR3000000, 1h30m

6:00PM

Visit Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex

Explore the UNESCO-listed bazaar, one of the oldest in the Middle East, which remains lively until late evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Shandiz Mashad Restaurant

Enjoy succulent Persian kebabs and flavorful Azerbaijani dishes in this popular Tabriz restaurant.
IRR400000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tabriz to Baku

Tabriz, Iran to Baku, Azerbaijan on May 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Narenjestan, Tabriz

Fuel up with a traditional Iranian breakfast including eggs, bread, and fresh herbs.
IRR150000, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Astara Border (Iran-Azerbaijan)

Drive approximately 230 km north from Tabriz to the Astara border crossing into Azerbaijan. Border formalities may take 1-2 hours.
Visa and border fees applicable, 4h0m

12:30PM

Drive to Baku

Continue traveling north-east along the Caspian Sea coast for about 200 km to Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital.
Fuel cost and tolls approx. AZN20, 3h0m

3:30PM

Check-in and Rest in Baku

Settle into your hotel and relax after the border crossing and drive.
AZN50-80, 1h0m

4:30PM

Explore Baku Old City (Icherisheher)

Visit the historic walled city area with ancient mosques, caravanserais, and the iconic Maiden Tower. Open daily until 7 PM.
AZN5, 2h0m

6:30PM

Dine at Firuze Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Azerbaijani cuisine like plov and kebabs close to the Old City in a welcoming atmosphere.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Baku to Samur Border to Makhachkala

Baku, Azerbaijan to Makhachkala, Russia on May 11, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Green House, Baku

Start the day with a fresh coffee and a variety of pastries in this charming café.
AZN15, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Samur Border (Azerbaijan-Russia)

Travel approximately 190 km north to reach the Samur border crossing into Russia. Border formalities may take up to 2 hours.
Visa fees and border taxes applicable, 4h0m

12:30PM

Drive to Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia

Cross into Russia and proceed north around 70 km to Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan Republic.
Fuel and toll costs approx. RUB2000, 1h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Amber Restaurant, Makhachkala

Taste traditional Russian and Caucasian dishes with fresh local ingredients in this popular local spot.
RUB700, 1h0m

3:00PM

Walk along Makhachkala Seaside Boulevard

Relax with views of the Caspian Sea and enjoy the local atmosphere on the promenade.
Free, 1h0m

4:00PM

Check-in and Rest

Rest at your accommodation and prepare for the longer journey northward.
RUB2500, 1h0m

5:00PM

Opt for an early dinner or light snacks

Enjoy a light meal at the hotel or nearby café to keep fueled for the drive ahead.
RUB500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Makhachkala to Moscow

Makhachkala to Moscow, Russia on May 12, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a long driving day to Moscow.
RUB300, 30m

7:30AM

Start Drive to Moscow

Begin the approximately 1,600 km drive from Makhachkala to Moscow. Plan multiple breaks and overnight rest along the way.
Fuel costs approx. RUB7000 per 1000 km, Overnight travel
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Day 5: Arrival in Moscow

Moscow, Russia on May 13, 2025

Evening

Arrive and Check-in

Complete your drive and check into your hotel in Moscow, resting after the long journey.
RUB3500, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Dr. Zhivago

Experience elegant Russian classics in a stylish restaurant near Red Square.
RUB1500-2500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Moscow

Moscow, Russia on May 14, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Pushkin

Enjoy a sophisticated breakfast with traditional Russian and European dishes in a historic setting.
RUB1200, 1h0m

10:00AM

Red Square and Kremlin Tour

Explore Moscow’s iconic landmarks including Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin museums. Open 10 AM – 5 PM.
RUB700, 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at GUM Food Court

Casual lunch with multiple dining options inside the historic GUM mall.
RUB800, 1h0m

2:30PM

Tretyakov Gallery Visit

Discover an impressive collection of Russian fine art. Open 10 AM – 6 PM.
RUB500, 2h0m

5:00PM

Relax with a stroll in Gorky Park

Enjoy the green space and local culture in this lively park.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Mari Vanna

Experience home-style Russian cooking in a cozy vintage setting.
RUB1500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Moscow to Saint Petersburg

Moscow to Saint Petersburg, Russia on May 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast before the drive to Saint Petersburg.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive Moscow to Saint Petersburg

Drive approximately 700 km north, around 8-9 hours drive time.
Fuel approx. RUB5000, 8h30m

6:00PM

Check-in and Dinner at Teplo

Relax and enjoy classic Russian dishes in a warm and friendly venue near the city center.
RUB1300, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, Russia on May 16, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Singer

Have breakfast with views over Nevsky Prospect and the City Duma.
RUB900, 1h0m

10:30AM

Hermitage Museum

Visit the iconic Hermitage with its vast art collections. Open 10:30 AM – 6 PM, closed Tuesdays.
RUB700, 3h0m

1:45PM

Lunch at Stroganoff Steak House

Dine on local and European dishes in an elegant setting.
RUB1200, 1h0m

2:45PM

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Admire the colorful domes and mosaics of this famous church. Open 10 AM – 6 PM.
RUB300, 1h0m

4:00PM

Nevsky Prospect Stroll

Stroll along Saint Petersburg’s main avenue with shops and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Palkin

Enjoy refined Russian-European cuisine in a historic ambiance.
RUB2000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Saint Petersburg to Murmansk

Saint Petersburg to Murmansk, Russia on May 17, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast

Quick breakfast at hotel or nearby café before departure.
Included or RUB600, 30m

7:30AM

Begin Drive to Murmansk

Start the long 1500 km drive north to Murmansk. Plan to split the journey into two days with stops for rest and meals.
Fuel approx. RUB11000, 8h+ (first leg)
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